Do you have a great kitchen design in mind but lack the expertise to execute it? Go for a kitchen cabinet plan, which lends elegance to your overall design and also helps you control costs.
How to get the kitchen cabinet plan for your kitchen?
Since the cabinets occupy the maximum part of the kitchen, they must be planned and designed properly. Even if you think you can make some large cabinets yourself, it is always better to first check the plan with a professional expert or even your local kitchen hardware store. And if all this is a hassle, just go for some research on the Internet and a computer generated plan that best suits the space and style of your kitchen.
Options for implementing the kitchen cabinet plan — DIY or get professional help
Once you are able to draw a kitchen cabinet plan or get one either from a professional or from a computer, you should decide on how you want to bring it into being. If you have good woodworking experience, then you may want to start out on your own. However, be sure about the measurements and the large amount of work that will follow in designing the kitchen cabinets by yourself. Having a carpenter do it can get expensive but you can be sure of precise fittings and a good end result.
Get the materials
The next level of work involves deciding on materials for your kitchen cabinets. Whether it is exotic wood, glass or plastic you should choose them based on your style, budget, durability and also how much your walls can take the load. You can always consult a professional in case of doubt or just survey at your local kitchen hardware store.
Do you have the necessary equipment?
After the kitchen cabinet plan and materials have been decided, you need to know what tools and equipment will be needed in case you are making the cabinets yourself. Go through the operating instructions for all these tools so you can use them properly. It can be a number of equipment to use, from a drilling machine, a saw to small nuts, bolts etc., so you must be sure of their use and safety as well. Otherwise, a carpenter can always be put to work.
What if you have existing kitchen cabinets too?
If there are existing cabinets in the kitchen, they may have to be uninstalled first and make room for new ones. This can be complex since you may have decided on a new arrangement plan of the kitchen cabinet, which will require new measurements on the walls and the floor. Careful re-measurement may therefore be required.
Some advice
1. A quick cleaning of the wall will allow you to neatly mark the lines and points that are necessary for the new installation of the kitchen cabinet.
2. During the installation of new kitchen cabinets you may have to adjust and readjust the positions for a good fit of the cabinet set, so try not to put doors or permanent fixing of the screws.
3. When planning your kitchen cupboards, make sure the sink, fridge and stove are in a triangular formation. Also, the dishwasher and sink should be next to each other while the oven and refrigerator should not be.
4. Ensure proper lighting in all areas and especially in important work areas eg. a sink.
5. As a general rule, the width of the cabinet doors should be less than their height. Therefore, in some cases you may have to go for kitchen cabinets with double doors.
6. Make sure that the height of the shelf is such that you (and others working in the kitchen) will be able to reach it easily.
7. Use false fronts for areas like under the sink, etc. to give your kitchen a consistently good look.
8. Leave about 1.5 feet of counter space where you open the refrigerator door and a similar space for other appliances that need that space for ease of operation.
A cost analysis of all options should be done by comparing the various costs of the material and the services of a carpenter or professional expert. Take your time before going for any decision as a good planning, design and execution ensure that your kitchen is all about what you dreamed of.
Here is a link that may be useful:
Planner 5D online kitchen planner – This kitchen design software automatically creates blueprints with dimensions for you – as well as elevations and overheads.
